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It's the Shortest Day of the Year. Let's Celebrate!

YumSugar — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:37:18 PST

Tomorrow, Dec. 22, marks the shortest, darkest day of the year. It's the Winter solstice, which signifies a turning point in the year. From here on out, the nights will grow shorter and the days longer. We think this is as good a reason as any to celebrate and host a party.

The theme of the party: a cozy Winter night. Invite your friends over for an evening of fun. String fairy lights everywhere and light as many candles as you can (safely). After all, the Winter solstice marks the rebirth of the sun and the reemergence of daylight, so it's only appropriate to celebrate with lights! Play calming folk music like The Wailin' Jennys in the background and bring out the playing cards and dominoes for entertainment.

For scene-setting recipe ideas for your Winter solstice party, keep reading.

Oh Snap! Rise of the Druids

TresSugar — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:20:04 PST

Hundreds of druids and pagans met at Stonehenge this morning to celebrate the sunrise closest to the Winter Solstice. It's now officially Winter - stay warm!

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Back to Basics: Sun Salutation A

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:30:00 PST

In honor of the Winter Solstice, I thought we could use a little light from the yoga world. So take a few minutes to pay attention to your breath and follow this Sun Salutation A sequence. The Sanskrit word for Sun Salutation is Surya Namaskar. Surya means "Sun," and "Namaskar" is a greeting of honor and respect to the divinity present in each one of us. In yoga studios across the world, many celebrate the Winter Solstice by performing 108 Sun Salutations, a practice called Mala. So welcome Winter and say hello to the sun with Sun Salutation A.

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Do the Short Days of Winter Keep You From Working Out?

FitSugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:30:00 PST

Today is Winter Solstice, and it is officially the shortest day of the year. Starting tomorrow the days will start being just a wee bit longer and I, for one, welcome a little more daylight. Regardless if I set my alarm for an earlier time, I really don't get out of bed until my youngest wakes up. She wakes with the sun, so each day it has been just a little bit later. My inability to rise before the sun is up is dramatically affecting my ability to fit exercise into my daily life.

On this shortest day of the year, I am looking to see if I am alone this dilemma. So tell me . . .

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The How-To Lounge: Celebrate the Winter Solstice

DearSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:00:37 PST

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, but everyone can celebrate the Winter Solstice. It falls on Dec. 22, and it's the day when the sun is the farthest away from the equator. It's also the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

Why not start a tradition where you celebrate this unique day? For a few ideas on how to commemorate the solstice,

Winter Solstice

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:25:00 PST

Today marks the official start of winter - it's the solstice. Good news for all of you winter sports fanatics since there are so many fun things to do in the snow. I can't wait to hit the slopes.

Today is also the shortest day of the year. If you are like me and want the sun to rise before you do, this is good news since the days will slowly start getting longer. Plus this is great for all of you folks that like to exercise outside since there will be just a little more daylight soon.

Tonight though, I say let the darkness be outside and get cozy inside. Light lots of candles, make a fire, make a pot of tea or a nice mug of hot cocoa. Now just relax - you deserve it.

Song for the Winter Solstice

BuzzSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:11:22 PST

Today is the Winter Solstice, a.k.a. the shortest day of the year followed by the longest night. The looming darkness just makes me want to listen to some good, wintry music. Fortunately, I've found the perfect thing: "Winter Solstice" by Sufjan Stevens, from his newly released album, Songs For Christmas. Tune in on Monday for my review of the massive five-disc set, but until then, enjoy this excellent and very appropriate track.

Celebrate Winter Solstice With Sun Salutation A

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:41:29 PST

Although it feels like we were just talking about bikini workouts and sunscreen, tomorrow is the first day of Winter - aka the Winter Solstice. You can celebrate by getting outside for a Winter run, cooking up a hearty pot of soup, or do like the yogis do: perform 108 Sun Salutations, a practice called Mala. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hindu and Buddhist belief systems, and it represents quite a physical challenge too.

If there's no yoga studio close to you hosting a group Mala, unroll your yoga mat and try it on your own. Light some candles or perform your sun salutes under the twinkling glow of your Christmas tree. Get ready to welcome Winter and say hello to the sun.

Not sure how to do a sun salute? Watch this video of the calming yoga sequence.

What Is Your Energizing Morning Beverage of Choice?

Anna Monette Roberts — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:06:47 PST

We're approaching Winter Solstice, and it seems like every morning it's harder to wake up, because it's still so dark outside. To revive yourself and prepare for a productive day ahead, what beverage do you first reach for in the morning? Tell us in the comments below what's your go-to energizing beverage.

Winter Reading List: 15 Books to Read Before They're on the Big Screen

BuzzSugar — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 PST

Back in Fall and Summer, I gave you reading lists filled with books that are being adapted into movies. To mark the Winter solstice and a new season, I'm giving you guys a brand-new list for your shelf with even more titles that you'll be seeing on the big screen. Cozy up with one of these books next to a warm fire - plus, you'll be able to claim that "the book was so much better" before everyone else.